Hubert C. Register

HAMPTON — Hubert C. Register, husband, father, gardener and baseball fan, died Thursday, May 17, 2001, after a brief illness and three months of heartache from his wife's death. He was 86.

Born Aug. 11, 1914, in Greenville, N.C., Hubert was the oldest child of Allie Parrott and Willie Oscar Register. In the midst of the Depression, Hubert graduated a year early from high school and received a college scholarship. Instead of attending Duke University, he went to work to help support his eight brothers and sisters.

Hubert was selling shoes, and shirts and ties to match, for Belk Tyler when he met Annie Daniel Vines Lewis. The two were married on July 24, 1938, and moved to the Peninsula four years later. Hubert worked at the shipyard for several years and went on to Harwood Brothers Construction. He settled in at C.W. Lockwood & Sons/Lockwood Brothers, where he worked as an estimator for more than 20 years.

All around Hubert's house are the trophies from the nights and weekends he spent at New Market bowling alley in one of several leagues. At his best, his average approached 180. After retiring, he took up gardening and turned the back half-acre of his homestead into a green factory of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and corn.

In recent years, Hubert could be found sitting on his patio or in his recliner in front of the television, "resting his eyes." He was always good for a commentary on the Braves or a question about the latest construction project in your neighborhood. And when the grandchildren came to visit, it was his candy drawer, not grandma's, that they raided.

Hubert listened more than he talked, though his stories of growing up outside the city, earning $1 a week, or working in a tobacco warehouse brought an insight into his personality that would take a while to realize. Though he was never monetarily rich, he easily gave to those who were less fortunate, never caring whether they knew he was their benefactor.

As did most men of Hubert's generation, he let his wife tend to the family and nurture its growth. Nevertheless, he loved them all and took pride in their accomplishments.

Hubert was preceded in death by his wife, Annie, and three brothers and sisters. He is survived by five brothers and sisters, Margaret Register, John Register, James Register, Joseph Register and Frances Carson of North Carolina; his five children, Hubie, Wilma, Jane, Linda and Larry; 11 grandchildren and three great- grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at W.J. Smith and Son Funeral Home in Newport News. The funeral is 10 a.m. Monday at W.J. Smith and Son Funeral Home, followed by burial at Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors at other times at the home.